Dental Facilities During the New Corona Outbreak: A SWOT Analysis

COVID-19 prevalence and infection control practices among dentists in Andhra Pradesh State, India

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic posed a new challenge not only to public health but also to the health care systems and dentists are one of the highly vulnerable health care professionals for COVID-19 infection.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the COVID-19 prevalence, associated factors, and infection control practices among dentists in Andhra Pradesh State, IndiaMETHODS:A cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey was conducted among dentists in Andhra Pradesh state, India. 21-item pretested questionnaire was used for data collection between January 30, 2021 and February 21, 2021. 3700 dentists from the Andhra Pradesh state were selected from the Dentists Register of India through systematic random sampling method.

RESULTS

Out of 3700 dentists invited to participate in this study, responses from 1876 dentists were received with response rate of 51%. Prevalence of 8 among the study population was 9%. Patients were the primary source of infection for 60.5% of the COVID-19 positive study participants. 65.8% of total respondents using full face shield and two-third of them using N-95 or equivalent mask while providing dental care.

CONCLUSION

This study found a high prevalence rate of COVID 19 among the dentists. Among the associated factors, being into active practice during the pandemic was found to be statistically significant. This study recommend for additional infection control protocols specific to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Worker Protection Scenarios for General Analytical Testing Facility under Several Infection Propagation Risks: Scoping Review, Epidemiological Model and ISO 31000

Infectious disease is a risk threating industrial operations and worker health. In gastrointestinal disease cases, outbreak is sporadic, and propagation is often terminated within certain populations, although cases in industrial sites are continuously reported. The ISO 31000 international standard for risk management, an epidemiological triad model, and a scoping review were the methods used to establish response procedures (scenarios) to protect workers from the risk of the propagation of a gastrointestinal disease. First, human reservoirs and transmission routes were identified as controllable risk sources based on a scoping review and the use of a triad model. Second, the possibility of fomite- or surface-mediated transmission appeared to be higher based on environmental characterization. Thus, the propagation could be suppressed using epidemiological measures categorized by reservoirs (workers) or transmission routes during a primary case occurrence. Next, using results of a matrix, a strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats analysis and a scoping review, the risk treatment option was determined as risk taking and sharing. According to epidemiology of gastrointestinal infections, systematic scenarios may ensure the efficacy of propagation control. Standardized procedures with practicality and applicability were established for categorized scenarios. This study converged ISO 31000 standards, an epidemiological model, and scoping review methods to construct a risk management scenario (non-pharmaceutical intervention) optimized for the unique characteristics of a specific occupational cluster.

The impact of a pandemic on dental professionals' work and personal lives: A qualitative study with implications for primary healthcare workers

During a pandemic, dentists face enormous challenges due to restrictions placed on their practice and the need to comply with biosafety measures. This study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and infection control measures on dentists and their practice in Jordan and the global implications for other primary healthcare workers. A qualitative exploratory study employing face-to-face or telephone interviews, was conducted with ten dentists from the 9^th May to 20^th September 2020. An inductive thematic approach to analysis was used identifying three themes, each with two accompanying subthemes: (1) Response to COVID-19 pandemic: (1a) Government response and (1b) People's response; (2) The effects of the pandemic and response measures: (2a) Impact on work and practice and (2b) Impact on personal and social life; (3) The unanticipated gains: (3a) Altruism and (3b) Leadership and change. Stringent infection control measures were implemented to slow the spread of the virus, however limited government support made implementation unsustainable and caused financial hardship. Lack of clear guidelines, changes in practice, social distancing measures, and altered social interactions, adversely impacted daily life, triggering mental distress. Misinformation influenced response to COVID safety measures. Despite the negatives, working during the pandemic reaffirmed dental professionals' roles and purpose, with strong leadership boosting morale. Education, adequate biosafety resources and clear guidelines or policies to support and sustain stringent infection control procedures are crucial in ensuring that measures are implemented to meet the safety requirements of the pandemic response. Promoting the well-being of the healthcare workforce is equally important. Finally, altruism and strong leadership among healthcare workers can contribute to a meaningful and humane pandemic response.

Fear, changes in routine and dental care for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder in the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey with Brazilian parents

AIMS

This study aimed to report the perception of parents of children/adolescents with autism regarding the parents' fear of the pandemic by COVID-19. Also, to report children's fear about the use of individual protective equipment (IPE) in dental appointments, and the impact on the daily routine during the pandemic.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A cross-sectional study through an open online survey was addressed to parents of children/adolescents autistic, aged between 3 and 18 years. The questionnaire had questions regarding the parents' fear of the COVID-19 pandemic, the parents' perception about the children/adolescents' fear of the use of IPEs at dental care, and the impact of the daily routine during the pandemic and social impact after the pandemic. Parents' reports on the degree of ASD (mild, moderate, and severe) of the child/adolescent. A total of 1001 responses were obtained. 50.35% of parents had high fear of the pandemic by COVID-19, 59.34% believe that children/teenagers will be afraid of the dentist's IPE and 61.64% responded that the COVID-19 pandemic had a high impact on the daily routine of children/adolescents with ASD.

CONCLUSIONS

Most parents reported fear of the pandemic by COVID-19, that children/adolescents with autism may be afraid of IPE and had a high impact on their daily routine during the pandemic.

Work-life balance amongst dental professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic-A structural equation modelling approach

BACKGROUND

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in 2019, has shocked the entire world. As an effort to control the disease spread, the Indian government declared a nationwide lockdown on March 25th, 2020. As dental treatment was considered high risk in the spread of COVID-19, dentistry became one of the most vulnerable professions during this time. Dental professionals had to face job layoffs, salary cuts in professional colleges, closure of private clinics resulting in huge psychological, moral, and financial crises. Studies during the previous and present pandemics have shown mental issues among health care workers necessitating institutional reforms, along with early care and support. A balance in the work-life amongst professionals is the key to better efficiency and, was majorly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown due to sudden unexpected changes. Hence this study was conducted to understand the changes they underwent both at home and professional front with a hypothesis that physical and mental health, activities, relationship status, and workplace influence the work-life balance.

METHODS

A pre-validated questionnaire survey was done on dentists across India. Structural Equation Modelling and path analysis were applied to the data collected.

RESULTS

The results of the study supported the hypothesis that factors like physical and mental health, activities, relationship status, and workplace influenced the work-life balance directly. A significant imbalance was seen amongst the female dentists.

CONCLUSION

The present study proved the unpreparedness among dental professionals. Hence an evolutionary phase in every field with better working protocols, robust mental health support, and a focus on strategies to face future such emergencies is required.

Assessment of COVID-19 control strategies in a steel industry using a SWOT matrix

According to the health regulations, industrial environments due to the gathering of people are considered as one of the highest-risk places during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, planning with regard to health concerns can decisively help in infection control and continuity of businesses during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the COVID-19 control management measures in the Sepid-farab Kavir Steel Complex (SKS complex) located in Isfahan province (Iran) using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) matrix. After a literature review and field surveys, all weak, strong, threatening, and opportunity points were collected and were listed using the internal factor evaluation (IFE) and external factor evaluation (EFE) matrices and then were prioritized and weighted. Next, given the sum of scores of IFE and EFE, the SWOT matrix was constructed, the disease prevention and control strategies in the complex was determined, and finally, experts proposed corrective measures to improve the current situation. The results of the IFE matrix (IFE) analysis showed that in terms of corona control, there are more weaknesses than strengths within the company (the score of this matrix was 201.12). Also the score of 165 on the EFE matrix indicated that external threats were predominant, compared to external opportunities of company. SWOT analysis showed that despite some external problems and challenges, the existence of a favorable internal decision-making system had an important role in developing appropriate health strategies and implementing effective prevention measures in SKS complex against the COVID-19.

[Teledentistry during covid-19]

Objective

To describe the usefulness of teledentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic and how virtualization can benefit dentists and patients.

Methods

The bibliographic search will be carried out using the main data sources of international literature on health sciences (MEDLINE) databases up to September 30, 2020 with no language restriction. The information sought will include publications on the benefits in tele-dentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic using the search terms "Teledentistry, COVID-19, Telehealth, and video consultation".

Results

Triage will be carried out virtually. Patient data, signs and symptoms of discomfort, medical history, among other variables. will be recorded. Cases of emergency or urgency will be treated in person, while a COVID-19 questionnaire including symptoms, travel history and contact with COVID-19 patients will be given by telephone.

Conclusions

Teledentistry is being used for giving advice and to triage patients with symptoms and emergency treatments.

Perceived Preparedness of Dental Academic Institutions to Cope with the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Country Survey

Dental academic institutions are affected by COVID-19. We assessed the perceived COVID-19 preparedness of these institutions and the characteristics of institutions with greater perceived preparedness. An international cross-sectional survey of dental academics was conducted from March to August 2020 to assess academics’ and institutional attributes, perceived preparedness, and availability of infection prevention and control (IPC) equipment. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified perceived preparedness components. Multilevel linear regression analysis assessed the association between perceived preparedness and fixed effect factors (academics’ and institutions’ attributes) with countries as random effect variable. Of the 1820 dental academics from 28 countries, 78.4% worked in public institutions and 75.2% reported temporary closure. PCA showed five components: clinic apparel, measures before and after patient care, institutional policies, and availability of IPC equipment. Significantly less perceived preparedness was reported in lower-middle income (LMICs) (B = −1.31, p = 0.006) and upper-middle income (UMICs) (B = −0.98, p = 0.02) countries than in high-income countries (HICs), in teaching only (B = −0.55, p < 0.0001) and in research only (B = −1.22, p = 0.003) than teaching and research institutions and in institutions receiving ≤100 patients daily than those receiving >100 patients (B = −0.38, p < 0.0001). More perceived preparedness was reported by academics with administrative roles (B = 0.59, p < 0.0001). Academics from low-income countries (LICs) and LMICs reported less availability of clinic apparel, IPC equipment, measures before patient care, and institutional policies but more measures during patient care. There was greater perceived preparedness in HICs and institutions with greater involvement in teaching, research, and patient care.